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Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue!
#2931879 - 02/16/09 08:59 PM

Well, last Friday I received an automated notice and today I received confirmation that Celestron has missed another ship date on the CGEM. Projected delivery for my replacement unit is now another month away. I know I said I wasn't going to hold my breath, but I'm turning blue anyway!

I tell you though, if I wait this long and they haven't resolved all of the reported problems on what they ship me (longitude screw length, etc.) I'll be more than a little annoyed!

Beo

Post Extras:

blueman
Vendor Blue Sky Accessories

Reged: 07/20/07

Loc: California

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#2931985 - 02/16/09 09:46 PM

You have more patience than I do! :^)
Blueman

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: blueman]
#2932115 - 02/16/09 10:59 PM

Look at this way - by the time it gets here the weather will be good again and you can actually use it instead of just setting it up in living room.

Post Extras:

Dr Benway
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/27/08

Loc: Abilene, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Lane]
#2932187 - 02/16/09 11:39 PM

I just got a notice on Friday that my new shipping date would be 3/17/09. Today I got a notice saying that none would be available until 3/23/09 and mine would ship 3-5 days later.

John

Post Extras:

slitherjef
sage

Reged: 09/08/04

Loc: Denver CO

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Dr Benway]
#2932193 - 02/16/09 11:45 PM

shesh...
I woulda requested a refund already. I agree with blueman, you got a ton more patience then I would if I was in this situation.

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Lane]
#2932205 - 02/16/09 11:51 PM

Quote:

Look at this way - by the time it gets here the weather will be good again and you can actually use it instead of just setting it up in living room.

Actually, we've had some pretty decent weekdays in the last month; it's just weekends that cloud up! My problem is we're rapidly moving out of prime position for Orion and Horsehead shots and I really wanted to improve on what I've been able to do so far. As is, I'll be doing good to get even a quarter of the evening before they start going into the trees.

Beo

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: slitherjef]
#2932238 - 02/17/09 12:08 AM

Quote:

shesh...
I woulda requested a refund already. I agree with blueman, you got a ton more patience then I would if I was in this situation.

Originally I was going to do so, but the CGEM really hits the spot I want to be in, and I can't justify moving up to a CGE. Telescopes.com already credited back the original unit and won't charge me again until they ship the new one, so I still have the opportunity to cancel if I get fed up with waiting. They've also offered to make me a good deal on another mount, so again I can't fault them for their efforts here. As far as Celestron, that's a different story. The original projected date for my replacement unit was the first week of February, which was then delayed to this week, and now to the middle of next month. Given that the CGEM was supposed to start shipping back in October/November timeframe, it really looks like the few that made it out the door weren't much better than betas where they didn't tell the buyers they were beta testers. From the delays, they sure don't appear to have worked out their production issues. Still, one can only hope that they're doing the right thing and holding off shipping until they can guarantee that they'll ship a quality product to everyone!

As for my patience, I don't really have any. The only thing that's helped is I've been traveling for work quite a bit during the previous few weeks and thus wouldn't have been able to do much with it anyway. Still, I was really looking forward to having it at this weekend's star party! Oh well, I'm on the road again next week, so maybe that'll help the time pass again.

Beo

Post Extras:

blueman
Vendor Blue Sky Accessories

Reged: 07/20/07

Loc: California

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#2932294 - 02/17/09 01:04 AM

My concern with your situation is that you have already had a problem with a new product and the chances are that there will be repeats of the problem you encountered and probably new ones.
I am very cautious about buying first year products anymore. I like to see a year or so of other peoples experience before I try it.
Blueman

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: blueman]
#2984204 - 03/14/09 08:04 PM

Quote:

I am very cautious about buying first year products anymore.

Well, at the rate things are going it looks like it won't be a first year product by the time I see my CGEM! I just received notice that CGEM that was last scheduled to arrive next week will now not ship before the end of the month. Celestron has again given the vendor another delay notice, but the vendor's not confident they'll receive it even then. Pretty sad!

Beo

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#2984247 - 03/14/09 08:27 PM

They told me 4/1..... Hey wait a minute....

Post Extras:

Skylook123
Postmaster

Reged: 04/30/05

Loc: Tucson, AZ

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: waassaabee]
#2984264 - 03/14/09 08:40 PM

Not to turn you any bluer, Beo, but a few years ago my one big ticket Celestron shipment was promised in early October (by Celestron to my dealer with all three of us on a conference call) to ship by Thanksgiving. It shipped in mid-March the next year. Every two weeks, "it'll be two more weeks."

Post Extras:

TheMenace
sage

Reged: 10/21/08

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Skylook123]
#2984360 - 03/14/09 09:53 PM

I feel your pain.
I'm quite impatient myself,but this should be expected with a new product,especially one with electronics.
You would think someone at celestron would get out under the stars and work the bugs out.
I officially apply for the job!

Just one of the reasons I decided to get the atlas.

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: TheMenace]
#2984513 - 03/14/09 11:42 PM

I've been very fortunate with my scope purchases in the past 10 years, only a few little things were delayed. Just over 30 years ago was a totally different story. I was part of the investigation into problems at Cave Optical. I ordered a 10" F5 Newt that was delayed over 6 months, and received numerous versions of the ever popular "it will ship next month" letters. I even got a letter from the Postmaster General's office on the subject of mail fraud (I paid half up front and the remainder when it was ready to ship ... the first time). The scope eventually showed up and it was everything I expected and more.

Beo ... great avatar by the way.

Edited by mclewis1 (03/14/09 11:43 PM)

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: mclewis1]
#2985061 - 03/15/09 10:59 AM

Hey Mark, thanks. I was pretty pleased with it too. Lulin's was a lot of fun before I had to go out of town a couple of weeks ago, and then the clouds rolled in...

About the only reason I'm not screaming about the CGEM delay is that it looks like I'm headed back on the road this week and, other than between trips the last weekend in March, I won't be back home until after the first week of April. Darn work's gettin' in the way of my new hobby! Now, if my CGEM's not here by THEN, I'm going to have a few choice words with some people!

And thanks to everyone else for their supportive comments. I've said on more than one occasion that I'd rather Celestron take the time needed to send me a working product than send me another dud, but I just didn't think it would take them this long!

Beo

Post Extras:

Skylook123
Postmaster

Reged: 04/30/05

Loc: Tucson, AZ

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#2985134 - 03/15/09 11:40 AM

I must say that after my long delay in getting the 14" dob from Celestron, it was a great performer. My observing buddy now has the mirror and built a new tube dob around it. Sure was worth the wait; I just wish they could find it in their consciences to be honest about the estimated delivery times.

Post Extras:

Dr Benway
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/27/08

Loc: Abilene, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#2985234 - 03/15/09 12:36 PM

I just ran my order number through Telescopes.com and they have dropped the dream date from 3/23/09 to "Not in Stock"

That doesn't look good, Beo.

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Dr Benway]
#3023819 - 04/04/09 12:50 PM

Well, we've passed the last projected ship date and still no CGEM. I was ok for the past couple of weeks since I was on the road and couldn't really use it, but as another month ticks by with no CGEM in sight, my patience is wearing thin!

Beo

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3023855 - 04/04/09 01:07 PM

That's just not right! I'm sure you've been in constant contact with the vendor you purchased from, what's their response? I can't imagine that the shipment that OPT got a couple of weeks ago was the only units in the world...

Post Extras:

Dr Benway
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/27/08

Loc: Abilene, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: waassaabee]
#3023918 - 04/04/09 01:43 PM

Beo,

My most recent notice from Telescopes.com was they should be in stock 4/6/09 and shipping within 5 business days. I have watched my VISA credit limit go up and down for the last few weeks by the amount of the purchase, but no CGEM and no word from the vendor. Good luck,

John

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning blue! new

[Re: Dr Benway]
#3024537 - 04/04/09 08:53 PM

Beo - This is pretty sad, you have my deepest sympathy. I am surprised it is taking so long and I sure hope the replacement doesn't have a problem when it arrives.

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lane]
#3028863 - 04/06/09 10:35 PM

Well, I just finally received the shipment notice for my replacement CGEM a little while ago! It's scheduled to arrive on Wednesday, hopefully right alongside the Denk PowerxSwitch S2 I bought from Counterweight. Wow, two toys in one night. Just so long as Celestron doesn't given me another disappointment! Hopefully I'll get a bit of experience with it all before the thunderstorms move in this weekend.

Beo

Post Extras:

coopfore1
super member

Reged: 11/23/05

Loc: il

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3029087 - 04/07/09 02:04 AM

Wow about time. I was even starting to get upset. Be really careful when you get. Do not drop it . LOL... I could not go thru another wait like that....

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: coopfore1]
#3031110 - 04/07/09 11:56 PM

Very cool!! I'm glad I don't live near you!! You are aware what the 'two toy tantrum' is don't you? It's a direct effect of the truly crummy weather you may have soon...

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: waassaabee]
#3031164 - 04/08/09 12:28 AM

Well, go figure. Now weather.com is showing mostly cloudy by 9:00 tomorrow night!

Beo

Post Extras:

HaleBopper
professor emeritus

Reged: 01/14/08

Loc: Land of Ice and Snow

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3031443 - 04/08/09 06:59 AM

Hi Beo, I've been following your CGEM troubles on the side, and I just want to wish you well this time around. I certainly decided to back off and wait a bit longer before I upgrade from my CG5, based on your "misfortune." However, I'll go out on a limb and say that you'll be pleased with the CGEM in the long run. The weather is another can of worms...

Post Extras:

Tim C
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/11/07

Loc: Marietta, GA

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3031670 - 04/08/09 09:42 AM

Your gonna love that Denk with the reducer switched on and the 13mm ethos. That's a real wow experience.

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Tim C]
#3033150 - 04/08/09 11:16 PM Attachment (79 downloads)

Well, I got both the CGEM and Denk in today and thankfully the CGEM appears to be working ok so far. The tripod has a dented and scratched up leg that appears to be a factory defect and not shipping damage. However, given what I've been through and my lousy luck with Celestron, I'm not about to send it back for a cosmetic defect as long as the drive's working! Still, continued disappointment from Celestron!

Now, Counterweight's Denk on the otherhand is pretty sweet so far. We're partly cloudy at the moment, so between that and the moon glow I really can't put it through its paces. At the moment I'm waiting on the moon to get up high enough above the tree to play with it. Still Orion and Saturn both looked pretty good through the clouds! As I'd hoped, the WO diagonal portion is compatible with my existing one, so I was able to swap the short SCT mount for the 2" long mount, letting me get closer to the OTA. That means I should still be able to use this with the SE alt-az mount when I'm looking for a quick setup. The switch will help offset having to give up my ST-80 piggyback setup there.

I'll be posting pictures of my setup to the mount pictures thread and probably link them from here just for the heck of it.

Beo

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3033229 - 04/09/09 12:04 AM Attachment (43 downloads)

And here's the result of my ADM side-by-side saddle setup with the Denk S2 and my Ethos. All-in-all, a pretty sweet setup!

Beo

Post Extras:

waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3033246 - 04/09/09 12:12 AM

That's a hot setup!! Does all that balance well?

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: waassaabee]
#3033295 - 04/09/09 12:38 AM

Beo, those tripod legs come apart pretty easy, just some little hex screws holding them. I will bet if you remove that aluminum tube and take it to a place that fixes hail damage on cars, they can make it look brand new in no time at all. I watched them removing dents one time in some pretty tight spots and they got them out with no trouble at all.

Also I notice your camera strap hanging down there. I don't know if you are aware of it or not but there are replacement camera straps available that have quick release clips. Then you can remove the biggest part of the strap to keep it out of your way when the camera is mounted on your scope.

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: waassaabee]
#3033298 - 04/09/09 12:40 AM

Quote:

That's a hot setup!! Does all that balance well?

Yup, does just dandy. The SBS rail is almost all the way over under the C8, and the back end of the dovetail rail on the C8 is a couple inches forward of the rear edge of the saddle, but otherwise it does just fine. Definitely needed that second 17 lb counterweight though!

Beo

Post Extras:

LLEEGE
True Blue

Reged: 03/03/05

Loc: Cloud-chester,NY

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3033377 - 04/09/09 02:01 AM

Nice setup!

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lane]
#3033624 - 04/09/09 08:12 AM

Hey Lane,

Actually, I intentionally wrapped the strap around like that. After having my Canon 450D come loose from the ST-80 and hit the concrete a while back, I immediately went and installed the strap that I'd left off of it and am now a bit paranoid about dropping another camera. Thus, I want the strap there to catch it if it were to somehow come loose. Of course with all those dovetails now (not to mention the poor fit of the CGEM saddle) I'm a bit nervous about dropping a whole OTA!

As far as the dent, that might work, but again, I shouldn't need to be paying anyone else to fix Celestron's screwups. This just isn't an acceptable level of quality and I don't intend to buy new from them for a LONG LONG time.

Beo

Post Extras:

Mike Foreman
sage

Reged: 04/06/07

Loc: Texas

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3033752 - 04/09/09 09:45 AM

Quote:

(not to mention the poor fit of the CGEM saddle) I'm a bit nervous about dropping a whole OTA!

Hi BEO
What is the problem with the fit?

Mike

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Mike Foreman]
#3034044 - 04/09/09 12:08 PM

Some people don't like the way the saddle attaches to third party dovetails. It is a little scary looking because it only grabs about 1/8" of these kinds of dovetails, but actually it is very secure. I went ahead and replaced mine anyway with the new ADM dual head saddle because I wanted the be able to use my vixen dovetails on there without having to use the conversion plate. The ADM saddle is really nice!

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Mike Foreman]
#3034841 - 04/09/09 07:59 PM Attachment (51 downloads)

Quote:

What is the problem with the fit?

Mike,

I'd seen previous posts complaining about the gap at the bottom of the saddle between the rail and saddle, but I wasn't worried about that because of the way the Losmandy rail is designed. However, as you can see from the attached pic, the cast saddle on my mount is WAY out of tolerance as far as the angles for the shape of the rail. The fixed portion (left side) is making only point contact with the very base of the dovetail. On the clamp side (right), the clamp appears to tilt enough that it makes surface contact on the dovetail region, but then the top of the clamp only makes point contact along the curved portion. If Celestron wants to use cast parts for all of this, that's fine, but they should just be machine finishing the mounting surfaces to guarantee proper tolerances. As is, the point of the Losmandy rail dovetail is cutting into the paint on the saddle because that's the only contact point on that side.

Beo

Post Extras:

cheepnis
super member

Reged: 02/16/08

Loc: Columbus, OH

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3034863 - 04/09/09 08:12 PM

Man, that ain't right!

Synta is a real disappointment.

Post Extras:

Tim C
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 11/11/07

Loc: Marietta, GA

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: cheepnis]
#3034867 - 04/09/09 08:15 PM

hmmm, mine has the gap at the bottom with a 3rd party losmandy dovetail but it fits well. The vice like CGEM saddle clamps down so securely I don't think I could knock the ota out with a sledgehammer.

Post Extras:

Trebor777
Hazy

Reged: 01/04/08

Loc: Connecticut - U.S.

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Tim C]
#3034880 - 04/09/09 08:26 PM

So, I gotta ask all you people who have been waiting and waiting on Celestron.

When do you think they'll get back to me about getting a replacement tripod spreader for my CGE?? I called yesterday and spoke with someone and I emailed today.

Or hopefully someone reading this has a spare tripod spreader for the CGE?

Post Extras:

bryansay
super member

Reged: 02/25/09

Loc: Georgetown, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3035555 - 04/10/09 07:14 AM

Looks great Beo! Looking forward to taking a peek and seeing some better pics.

Post Extras:

blueman
Vendor Blue Sky Accessories

Reged: 07/20/07

Loc: California

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3036264 - 04/10/09 02:09 PM

Not meaning to knock on the CGEM, but that Saddle is pretty poor. I would hate to have to rely on that poor fit with all the dollars hanging on it.
Perhaps a replacement would be worthwhile?
Blueman

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: blueman]
#3036478 - 04/10/09 04:02 PM

I don't think I would call it poor, it just has a deeper groove, which matches the celestron dovetails perfectly. And like someone else said above, regardless of how it looks you could not knock the Losmandy plate out of there with a sledgehammer and I would agree with that, it holds very tight.

Post Extras:

blueman
Vendor Blue Sky Accessories

Reged: 07/20/07

Loc: California

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lane]
#3036677 - 04/10/09 06:07 PM

Hi,
Hi Lane,
I was referring to the fact that the plate can not sit flat on the saddle due to the casting not being flat.
This should have been machined afterward to get it flat in my opinion. But I guess that is what you get with casting vs. CNC?
Blueman

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: blueman]
#3039016 - 04/12/09 12:04 AM

Of course to add to my list of Celestron quality stories... We just came back from a Yuri Night party to benefit the Austin Planetarium organization that's trying to get a planetarium, Challenger center, and space science museum in Austin, TX. They'd gotten a NexStar 60 SLT for their auction, and a handful of Celestron giveaways that they put out on the tables. The joke is that of the three stubby ballpoint pens on our table, only one worked. The others wouldn't latch the tip out so that you could use it. Of course I never actually tried writing with the one, so who knows if it even writes!

Still, it just reinforces what I've always told our Marketing department. You don't do the company any favors by giving away cheesy stuff with the company name/logo on it, if the giveaways you're handing out are of such low quality that they don't work or break immediately. Even though the giveaway obviously isn't made by the company (although in this case, it probably wasn't made too far away from where Celestron's making their telescopes these days), a poor quality giveaway doesn't reflect well on the company OR its quality! At any rate, I just though it was ironic enough to share...

As far as the event, BTW, Richard Garriott spoke on his trip to the ISS, and while shorter than a previous presentation I'd heard him give, it was still great. And with plenty of Russian music, dancing, food, and vodka, I think everyone had a pretty good time celebrating the first man in space!

Beo

Post Extras:

LLEEGE
True Blue

Reged: 03/03/05

Loc: Cloud-chester,NY

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: blueman]
#3039168 - 04/12/09 02:14 AM

Quote:

Not meaning to knock on the CGEM, but that Saddle is pretty poor. I would hate to have to rely on that poor fit with all the dollars hanging on it.
Perhaps a replacement would be worthwhile?
Blueman

I've got over $11,000 sitting on mine. I sleep well at night.

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: LLEEGE]
#3039384 - 04/12/09 08:41 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Not meaning to knock on the CGEM, but that Saddle is pretty poor. I would hate to have to rely on that poor fit with all the dollars hanging on it.
Perhaps a replacement would be worthwhile?
Blueman

I've got over $11,000 sitting on mine. I sleep well at night.

Frankly, I'm more concerned about the damage that it's doing to the ADM Losmandy rail itself. By the time it's tight enough that it can't slip out, it's putting a lot of pressure on that one line at the tip of the dovetail, which means it's compressing and deforming that point on the rail. Of course if I spring for the ADM saddle to resolve this then I can also mount a single Vixen OTA if desired (not sure why/when I would ever do such a thing, instead of just using my dual saddle, but...). Not to mention that orange knob set looks pretty cool! Still, I would be happier if the existing CGEM saddle had a better fit.

Beo

Post Extras:

plav1959
sage

Reged: 05/10/07

Loc: Central Florida

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3039532 - 04/12/09 10:44 AM

Beo,
I received my CGEM a couple of weeks ago with very similar damage to one leg of the tripod, but the shipping carton was undamaged. After numerous calls and emails to Celestron and my dealer, they agreed to ship a replacement leg. Originally they wanted the whole tripod returned, but finally came around to just replacing the leg.
Worth a shot,
Paul

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: plav1959]
#3039605 - 04/12/09 11:24 AM

Paul,

I have an e-mail in to Celestron, but no comment so far. I suppose I'll have to give them a call next week.

Beo

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blueman
Vendor Blue Sky Accessories

Reged: 07/20/07

Loc: California

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: LLEEGE]
#3039782 - 04/12/09 12:48 PM

Hi LLEEGE,
That is good to hear!

However, the question would still be, does the dovetail plate fit the top of the saddle? If you are doing photography, it is very important that the two fit tightly so that there is no flexure.
Blueman

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Hank w
member

Reged: 09/10/08

Loc: Loveland, Colorado

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: bryansay]
#3039859 - 04/12/09 01:34 PM

Hi Beowulf: I agree the saddle is poorly machined. My cgem saddle matches yours exactly. In your picture you can see that the left, non moveable, has a better fit then the moveable side with the tightening screws. Those screws do not align properly with the stationary portion of the saddle and when tightened cause an improper fit between the saddle and the rail. The tighter the screws the more the mis-alignment. Really the only answer is to buy an ADM saddle. It will hold tightly the way it is, just shows poor workmanship at a very important location. If ADM can do it I'm sure Celestron can also do it at a lower price especially since it is made in China.
Hank

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Skip
Starlifter Driver

Reged: 01/23/08

Loc: Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Hank w]
#3042188 - 04/13/09 07:24 PM

Beo,
PM me when you get a chance. I want to discuss what I'm planning and get your take on it. Thanks, buddy,

Post Extras:

Dr Benway
professor emeritus

Reged: 03/27/08

Loc: Abilene, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Skip]
#3043788 - 04/14/09 04:20 PM

I cancelled my order with Telescopes.com today. The crummy dovetail fit and dented legs, plus the waiting since February 3, was enough for me to call in an order for a Losmandy GM-8 which will be waiting for me when I arrive at the TSP on Sunday. Ta-dah!

John

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jrbarnett
Eyepiece Hooligan

Reged: 02/28/06

Loc: Petaluma, CA

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3044200 - 04/14/09 08:32 PM

Dovetail bars are designed to be divoted, marred and dimpled. I wouldn't give a fig about abusing a dovetail bar. In fact, a dovetail bar that was impervious to divoting, scuffing and dimpling would likely be less secure. Friction is your friend.

I think some folks have AP-900 expectations for what is in truth a cheap imported GEM. So far, the quality seems to be exactly what folks who have owned similar mounts such as the Orion Atlas have experienced. Not perfect but good enough for the price. That's why the Atlas is a perrenial best seller and the CGEM seems to be sold out frequently.

I have both and Atlas and a Losmandy GM-8. The Atlas has a much larger capacity than does the GM-8. I'd rate the GM-8 as a CG5 class mount in fact. It struggles with my 127ED whereas the Atlas handles it without a whimper. The Losmandy has nice machining work for its price, but nothing close to the A-P mounts.

IMO really good mounts generally cost more than $6k. Since I don't image, I am willing to put up with good enough and forego really good.

Regards,

Jim

Edited by jrbarnett (04/14/09 11:15 PM)

Post Extras:

Lane
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/19/07

Loc: Frisco, Texas

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: jrbarnett]
#3044216 - 04/14/09 08:48 PM Attachment (53 downloads)

There is no real problem with the cgem saddle but if you want to be able to put both kinds of dovetails on the mount without a conversion plate then for about $180 (which includes shipping cost) you can get the ADM cgem dual saddle as I just did. Here is a pic I posted for someone else. The arrow is just showing the bolt that is removed to switch them out. There are 3 of those bolts.

Post Extras:

mclewis1
Thread Killer

Reged: 02/25/06

Loc: New Brunswick, Canada

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: jrbarnett]
#3044285 - 04/14/09 09:28 PM

Jim,

I agree that friction is your friend and in the case of a saddle and dovetail bar the amount of friction is dependent on the fit between the two components. A poor fit between them puts less surface area in contact and therefore reduces the potential amount of friction (and therefore the holding force) between the two pieces. I don't think anyone is overly concerned about cosmetic damage to a dovetail bar or what the CGEM saddle looks like. Most of the conversation has been about the concerns over the fit of Losmandy D type plates in the CGEM's stock saddle or what Celestron calls a "mounting platform".

Interestingly Celestron makes no mention of D sized plate compatibility, in fact there doesn't seem to be any information on the saddle itself (including any statement about it even being CGE dovetail compatible) in the marketing info, product specifications, or the installation manual. Astronomics does however make a specific statement about the mount head accepting either type of dovetail. The CGE saddle on the other hand is a nicely machined unit that grips either type of dovetail very well.

The CGEM saddle doesn't seem to fit Losmandy D plates quite as well as the CGE saddle does. The angles of the sides of the saddle also seem to be a bit different and the corners of the CGEM saddle don't fit into the 3rd party D sized dovetail bar/plates quite as deeply as they do on the CGE or 3rd party D saddles. The assumption is that this is all due to the fact that the CGEM saddle is a casting that isn't created to the same tolerances as if it had been machined.

Is this really a problem? I'm not sure but I do know that if I owned a CGEM I would be concerned about the fit of a Losmandy D compatible plate in the stock saddle. The visuals would make me a bit uncomfortable and I would be extra careful every time I mounted a scope on the mount.

Post Extras:

donsinger1
sage

Reged: 10/28/07

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: mclewis1]
#3044639 - 04/15/09 01:18 AM

From what I could see, I would not worry too much...once clamped down, everything is in very solid. However, I went for the ADM Dual saddle also as it then entails one less piece to deal with when using a Vixen style dovetail, and is also lighter.

Don

Post Extras:

Trebor777
Hazy

Reged: 01/04/08

Loc: Connecticut - U.S.

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Skip]
#3044675 - 04/15/09 02:01 AM

Celestron customer service is a PITA. Especially for replacement parts. I called (and emailed) last Wednesday, they called me back today (Tues) and told me to sed them a check and then they'll send me my replacement part (CGE tripod spreader)

Now, that's 6 days for a response...5 days for my check to get from CT to CA...5 days for the replacement part to be shipped back to me in CT....

16 DAYS for a simple replacement part (that they have in stock) that would take literally 2 minutes to order and another 2 for a human being to package and put a shipping label on it. That's ridculous.

Needless to say I'm not doing it.

I needed a plastic tripod spreader for the CGE. Celestron wants $55 shipped for it. I went to Lowe's (That's Lane) and got a round 18" table top and I'm making a tripod eyepiece tray/extender. Total cost $9.99.

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gsmblue
member

Reged: 04/14/09

Loc: Portland, OR, USA

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning b new

[Re: Lane]
#3049970 - 04/17/09 09:58 PM

Hi there, I have been lurking on this site for years..... but first post

I ordered my CGEM today. I am sure I won't see it for a long time, but the shop lent me a CG5 in the meantime, very decent of them!!!

Can anyone point me in the direction of a "first look" article on the CGEM?

Thanks!

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning b new

[Re: gsmblue]
#3050715 - 04/18/09 12:06 PM

Welcome GSMBlue! Glad you decided to post. There are a number of threads here with some useful information. Here's a thread I did in January when my original CGEM came in. I captured most of the dimensions of the CGEM to give you an idea what you're getting into. There are a number of other good threads on here too. You can also join the Yahoo CGEM group for more info.

Beo

Post Extras:

gsmblue
member

Reged: 04/14/09

Loc: Portland, OR, USA

Re: Replacement CGEM delayed (again) I'm turning b new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3050866 - 04/18/09 01:49 PM

Thanks Beo, looking forward to you updates!

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Trebor777]
#3051006 - 04/18/09 03:44 PM

Well, I finally received an e-mail from a supervisor at Celestron tech support and he's taking some steps to help remedy the issues I've encountered to date. So, in the interest of sharing the good with the bad, I wanted to share a positive response. So while it's been a frustrating ride up to now, I finally managed to get someone who's going to try to make it right.

Beo

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waassaabee
Post Laureate

Reged: 11/26/07

Loc: Central California Coast

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lord Beowulf]
#3051511 - 04/18/09 08:58 PM

WHAT'S HIS NAME?

Post Extras:

Jeff55
professor emeritus

Reged: 04/14/05

Loc: Boston MA

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Lane]
#3052463 - 04/19/09 11:36 AM

Was at the Celestron booth yesterday at NEAF. I was surprised how much "air" will be under the Losmandy "D" dovetail with the stock saddle. I have a Casady 12 inch drop-in saddle that I plan to mount on a CGEM (want to wait another couple months to get past "teething problems before ordering) using an ADM collar into which Anthony will machine new holes for use on the CGEM. I'll be approaching 37 pounds of equipment that I'll be mounting so I feel this is that small bit of extra insurance. BTW the mount with his Orange (not my favorite color) knob set looks fantastic in person and really adds to the appearance of the mount.

Post Extras:

Gerry S.
journeyman

Reged: 03/03/09

Loc: Benbrook, Texas

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: blueman]
#3080782 - 05/02/09 10:39 AM

This is my first post though I have been lingering in the background reading and learning for quite awhile. There is a lot of knowledge to be gleaned here and for that I'm thankful. I do have something I'd like to offer up along with one question so here I am. About two weeks ago I finally decided after a great deal of research to purchase my first scope. I placed the order with astronomics.com over the phone while travelling and literally had my CGEM 9.25 with a few added accessories delivered to my door at 3pm the next day.
I really liked the astronomics.com experience and the 5% cloudynights.com discount doesn’t hurt either. I saved $98.00. My first light experience was the Beehive and the second was Saturn... moons and all recorded in my observation log. Clouds rolled in and now alas I'm on the road again. While away, I am in the process of ordering cases for my "stuff" and thanks to Lord Beowulf’s measurements I’m leaning towards a pair of Pelican 1630 cases. One case for the OTA and the other case for the CGEM head delivered for $200.20 each. Now for my question before I pull the trigger please. Will they work? Thank you all.

Post Extras:

Lord Beowulf
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 10/13/08

Loc: Cedar Park, TX

Re: Replacement CGEM finally on the way! new

[Re: Gerry S.]
#3081859 - 05/02/09 09:43 PM

Hey Gerry, a big Cloudy Nights welcome to you! I can't tell you for sure how well those will work, but I can show you what I came up with here. The foam block you see there is about 17.5x24x9" (LxWxH) with 2.5" of foam under the mount and about the 1.5-2.5" all the way around. The two saddle knobs stick up above the top by about 1". I could poke holes and leave them face down with bare clearance from the bottom, but since I'm probably going to switch to an ADM saddle before long, I don't think it's worth the trouble.

Beo

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